For many Walla Walla University students and faculty, the winter months are meant for breaking out the ski or snowboard gear and heading up to their favorite mountain.
This year, Associated Students of Walla Walla University (ASWWU) Outdoors worked to negotiate a discounted price on an 8-pack of ski passes at Bluewood, the local ski resort. Bluewood is just short of 30 miles from campus; it has 24 different trails including a freestyle terrain park, two triple chairlifts, and two conveyor lifts. Any WWU students and employees, as well as spouses and dependent children, could sign up for this deal and receive 8 day-passes to the mountain at a 33% discount.
Darren Wilkins, vice president of Student Life, was very excited that ASWWU Outdoors was able to offer this amazing recreational deal. He said, “I believe that a big part of the WWU ethic and identity is tied to getting outside into beautiful places and doing hard things with good friends.” ASWWU Outdoors shares this very sentiment and strives to create accessible opportunities for students to enter into nature’s beauty and adventure.
This is the first year that this deal has been available, but WWU has been providing students with Bluewood ski opportunities for years. The long-standing downhill skiing/snowboarding class is a single credit physical activity course that covers lift tickets, ski or snowboard lessons, and transportation. By enrolling in this class, students sign up for four Sunday Bluewood trips. Each Sunday includes an hour-long lesson with the remainder of the day left for students to enjoy exploring the mountain with friends and classmates.
For the more advanced skiers and snowboarders who may be looking for more than four days of free skiing, anyone can sign up to become a Bluewood ski instructor. The training is free, and those who become Bluewood instructors receive a free season pass.
ASWWU Outdoors hosts numerous recreational opportunities and services throughout the year in a variety of activities for students with varying levels of comfort in the outdoors. To learn more about what they have to offer, visit aswwu.com/outdoors. To keep up with future trips and announcements, follow their Instagram @ASWWUoutdoors.
Posted Feb. 7, 2025.
